Criminal Investigator - Environmental Crime Unit

State of Oregon • Portland, OR

5d • $8,159 - $11,489

About The Position

The Oregon Department of Justice is recruiting a highly experienced Criminal Investigator for its Criminal Justice Division, based in either the Salem or Portland office. The assignment is in the Environmental Crimes and Cultural Resources Enforcement Unit (ECREU), with the possibility of assignment to another Criminal Justice Division unit based on agency needs. ECREU investigates environmental offenses involving matters such as air and water pollution, hazardous waste, fish and wildlife, and pesticides, and assists with protecting cultural resources, including archaeological sites, artifacts, and other culturally significant objects. The work is primarily criminal and may involve handling cases in a particular county or providing specialized investigative assistance to district attorneys statewide.

Other potential assignments include Internet Crimes Against Children, District Attorney Assist, Elder Crimes, and Financial Crimes. The role investigates crimes in collaboration with Department of Justice Assistant Attorneys General, plans and directs complex interagency investigations with state, local, and federal agencies, and assists law enforcement agencies and prosecutors. This is a sworn police officer position represented by the Criminal Investigators Association. The successful candidate will become a member of the Public Employees Retirement System under the police officer designation. The posting describes comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, paid time off, competitive and equitable pay, and opportunities for professional development.

Requirements

• Four years of recent full-time criminal investigative experience within the last ten years; related college-level coursework or criminal investigation training in criminal law may substitute year-for-year for up to two years of required experience.
• Possess an active Oregon DPSST Advanced Police certification or higher, or hold an equivalent state or federal certification and be able to obtain an Advanced Police certification within one year of hire.
• Maintain an appropriate Oregon driver's license for driving in normal and emergency situations.
• Maintain a qualifying score with duty firearms and current First Aid and CPR certifications.
• Pass computerized criminal-history and driver and motor-vehicle-services checks, a comprehensive background investigation, and an employment check.
• Pass a DPSST-required psychological examination.
• Pass a DPSST physical examination; this may be required for out-of-state candidates.
• Demonstrate extensive knowledge of effective field and covert investigations, surveillance, and Oregon Revised Statutes.
• Be able to work independently, prioritize work, and meet time-sensitive deadlines, including with little notice and frequent interruptions.
• Exercise judgment and discretion in applying laws and policies and maintain confidentiality of sensitive case information.
• Prepare and present findings and establish proof of facts and evidence before grand juries, courts, and other adjudicative bodies.
• Communicate accurately, clearly, concisely, objectively, and with correct English grammar, orally and in writing.
• Communicate effectively with people from varied educational, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds to gain their confidence and cooperation.
• Have proficiency with word-processing software and internet database usage.
• Be willing and able to travel frequently away from home, including for weeks or months at a time.

Nice To Haves

• Experience investigating environmental crimes.
• Knowledge and experience using advanced electronic surveillance tools and techniques, such as pole cameras, tracking devices, communication interception, and cell-site mapping.
• Experience managing and motivating information contacts.
• Experience collecting physical evidence.
• Knowledge and skill in operating photographic equipment for crime-scene and surveillance photography.

Responsibilities

• Plan, coordinate, direct, and conduct complete investigations within the Department of Justice's investigative jurisdiction, independently or while directing experienced Special Agents or other personnel.
• Prepare and review search warrants and affidavits to ensure pertinent items are encompassed by the warrant.
• Plan and organize crime scene processing.
• Participate in covert investigative operations with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies.
• Preserve physical evidence and chain of custody using effective evidence-handling techniques.
• Conduct thorough interviews of victims, witnesses, and suspects.
• Serve as a search team leader and search people, vehicles, structures, and areas using prescribed techniques.
• Obtain and serve arrest warrants, grand jury subpoenas, and Attorney General subpoenas; make arrests.
• Review and evaluate case evidence for value and completeness in preparation for grand jury proceedings or prosecution.
• Prepare comprehensive, factual reports that clearly and concisely address case facts.
• Prepare documented legal exhibits related to criminal transactions that are admissible in court and understandable to non-experts.
• Transport prisoners and protect selected witnesses whose safety has been threatened.
• Coordinate with medical and scientific personnel when investigative assistance is required.
• Build and maintain partnerships with law enforcement agencies to support effective criminal-intelligence exchange.
• Use restraining devices and personal defense tactics.
• Operate photographic and surveillance equipment.
• Apply technical knowledge of wireless communication infrastructure and covert and other technical devices.
• Act as a statewide expert on investigative strategies and techniques related to wireless surveillance and tracking, covert monitoring, and electronic evidence collection.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical coverage
• Vision coverage
• Dental coverage
• Paid time off
• Competitive and equitable pay
• Professional development opportunities
• Public Employees Retirement System membership under the police officer designation

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: No Education Listed